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The rules are to protect workers like doctors and nurses giving patients magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI), people working with radar, welders and workers reparing power lines. The proposal would replace the current Directive 2004/40/EC.

The proposal takes account of the 2004 Directive on minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields. It would update the current exposure limits to take on board new scientific evidence - particularly in relation to exposure limits of MRI in hospitals. It would also include a number of provisions to help employers in their efforts to carry out the risk assessments required by EU law.

The aim of the proposal is to balance the protection of workers' health and safety with appropriate flexibility and proportionality so as not to unduly hamper the use and development of industrial and medical activities.

The proposal will be sent to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for adoption. The new directive's deadline for implementation will be set by the Parliament and the Council.